Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) · Tailor-made rail vacation

Essential Rockies by Train

6-day Rocky Mountaineer journey from Vancouver to Lake Louise and Banff

Essential Rockies by Train, a rail journey with Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada)

Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) runs this 6-day independent rail vacation from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies. There is no fixed group schedule; local experts plan the trip and offer support, with a choice of guided activities. Two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer carry travelers from Vancouver through the Fraser Valley and the desert-like landscape of BC's interior to Kamloops, then on through ranchlands, rocky lakeshores, the Spiral Tunnels, and Kicking Horse Canyon, over Rogers Pass to Lake Louise. A day at Lake Louise leaves time to stroll the lakeshore or arrange canoeing, hiking, or horseback riding, before a transfer to two nights in Banff, with an optional Icefields Parkway Tour. Named hotels include the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Rimrock Resort Hotel. The trip suits travelers who want a short, train-centered introduction to the Canadian Rockies rather than a longer cross-country rail journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel standard, Rocky Mountaineer class, and transfer style depend on the comfort tier chosen; Comfort Level pairs 3 to 3.5 star hotels with SilverLeaf service and a scheduled bus transfer, while Deluxe Level uses 5-star hotels, GoldLeaf service, and a private driver transfer.
  • Most Lake Louise and Banff activities, such as canoeing, hiking, the Lake Cruise and Gondola, and the Icefields Parkway Tour, are offered as options rather than included in the base price.
  • The itinerary ends with departure from Calgary after the final night in Banff, but the pack does not describe how travelers get from Banff to the Calgary airport.
  • The evidence pack does not list current departure dates; confirm availability and exact pricing with the operator before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver

    Welcome to a famously lovely west coast city, surrounded by mountains and ocean. Dinner in Vancouver.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops

    Settle in for a day of spectacular scenery, from the lush fields of the Fraser Valley to the desert-like landscape of British Columbia's interior.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lake Louise

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Lake Louise

    Travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes, and through the remarkable Spiral Tunnels, past Craigellachie, Kicking Horse Canyon and the climb over Rogers Pass. Arrive in Lake Louise this evening.

  4. Day 4overnight: Banff

    Enjoying Lake Louise and Transfer to Banff

    Relax, stroll around the lake, go to the spa, or ask about canoeing, horseback riding, hiking or climbing. Sightseeing transfer to Banff.

  5. Day 5overnight: Banff

    Explore Banff National Park

    Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rocky Mountain air. Options: Banff Sightseeing Tour, Lake Cruise and Gondola, Icefields Parkway Tour from Banff.

  6. Day 6

    Depart from Calgary

    Your dream week in the Canadian Rockies comes to an end as you travel to Calgary.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in Vancouver, a west coast city surrounded by mountains and ocean.
  • Day 2The Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops, passing from the lush Fraser Valley to the desert-like landscape of BC's interior.
  • Day 3The Rocky Mountaineer continues through ranchlands, rocky lakeshores, the Spiral Tunnels, and Kicking Horse Canyon, climbing over Rogers Pass to Lake Louise.
  • Day 4Time at Lake Louise to stroll the lakeshore, visit the spa, or arrange canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, or climbing.
  • Day 5An optional Icefields Parkway Tour from Banff.

Included

  • Hotel accommodation
  • Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
  • Meals onboard the train
  • Choice of unique guided activities
  • Transportation to and from airports, timed with your flights
  • Train station transfers
  • Feature dining experience at one of our favorite local restaurants
  • Electronic travel documentation package
  • Personalized Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Lake Louise via Kamloops is included, in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf class depending on the comfort tier, with meals onboard.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is independent travel with no fixed group schedule. Local experts from Canadian Train Vacations (Fresh Tracks Canada) plan and coordinate the trip, with a choice of guided activities.
Which train is used?
The Rocky Mountaineer, traveling from Vancouver to Lake Louise via Kamloops.
What hotels are included?
Named hotels include the Azur Legacy Collection Hotel in Vancouver, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and the Elk + Avenue Hotel or Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, with standard rising from 3 to 3.5 star at Comfort Level to 5 star at Deluxe Level.
What is not included?
Activities such as canoeing, hiking, the Lake Cruise and Gondola, and the Icefields Parkway Tour are optional add-ons, as are extensions like the Great Bear Rainforest excursion or a Victoria, BC visit.
When does it run?
The evidence pack does not list current departure dates.

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